The dictionary defines resiliency as being the ability to spring back from, and successfully adapt to adversity. Adversity is defined as a state, condition, …
The dictionary defines resiliency as being the ability to spring back from, and successfully adapt to adversity. Adversity is defined as a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty. The mere definition of adversity leaves one feeling fatalistic. How can someone be resilient in the face of adversity, especially if it is a condition that happens more than once? But there are people out there who are resilient. How do they do it? What makes them stay optimistic, while enduring suffering? And why are they able to?
The answer to the last question is because they love life, especially their own. They realize that life has many challenges, but being challenged is part of the process. Overcoming those challenges and constantly fighting is what keeps life interesting, and the reward is happiness.
Their optimism is derived from their experiences. At some point in time life might have been arduous, but it may have been preceded or succeeded by happiness. Recounting those memories and keeping them in perspective is what feeds their optimism. Hence, the answer to the first question, is via introspection. Principled introspection of oneself involves acknowledging ones strengths and weaknesses, and how those personality traits have played out. Reliving successes and realizing what enabled them to reach that point is what keeps fear at bay.
Similarly, failure can be just as nurturing. They learn that life does go on, and that failure is temporary. A mere mistake to learn from and grow.
Resiliency is not always innate nor is it completely individualistic. It can be derived overtime, and is tightly coupled with esteem for oneself. The notion that I am strong, and capable. And those who are resilient often derive their strength from others who are resilient.
One final note, self-loathing and deprecation are easy, but guaranteed ways of never achieving happiness. Part of being resilient means being strong and willing to pursue happiness everyday of one’s life.
